by Roy Bright
She smiles back. There is no arguing and no tantrums. “Okay, Gary, good night,” she says as she leans over and kisses him on the cheek. “God bless and thank you.”
He smiles and a massive wave of emotion sweeps over him that almost causes tears to well up, “Hey, it’s my pleasure, kiddo, everyone here will do anything for you and don’t worry, Judas will be back soon, I’m sure of it.”
She smiles at him once again, “I know, he’s getting closer, it won’t be long now; it won’t be long before everything changes.”
All three adults look at each other as she pulls a pillow under her head and draws one of the blankets over her body.
Abi reaches over and helps to tuck her in. She grabs hold of the child’s hand, causing Abi to once again, feel the swell of wellbeing lifting inside her body. A warm euphoria swims into her mind, causing external sounds to echo under their own weight. She looks at Gary and smiles, “It’s happening again, I feel the energy rising from her.”
Father Keel motions to her as she starts to glow a bright white that threatens to illuminate the church way beyond the protective capabilities of the wooden boards covering the windows. “Divinity,” he says, smiling.
Gary becomes aware of the potential for the light to give them away. “Shit! She’s gonna light the whole church up like a Christmas tree!” He says, grabbing a bundle of blankets lying next to him and placing them over her body in an attempt to diminish some of the light.
She glows even brighter and the light permeates the fabric of the blankets.
The three adults spin around as the handle of the door leading into the church lifts and clunks.
Gary draws his guns from their holsters, cocks and points them towards the alcove.
A series of metallic sounding footsteps reverberate and echo around the church.
Abi’s feeling of wellbeing grows inside her and she knows everything will be okay as Judas appears into the light.
“You guys miss me then?” He smiles.
Gary’s head slumps forward and he exhales in gratitude that it’s him and nothing more sinister. “Dammit, Judas, I swear I am just about ready to all out lose it.”
They smile and giggle at each other.
“I’m happy to see you too, mate,” he says, as he walks over and shakes his hand.
Abi throws her arms around him, hugging him tight.
“And I am also very pleased to see you too, Abi,” he states, laughing.
She laughs with him and then smacks his arm, “Please would you refrain from leaving us again, I’m on my very last nerve end and I think I will go nuts if that pops.”
She giggles, and he laughs back at her.
He turns to the priest and both men embrace each other in a manner that could be of father and son who haven’t seen each other in a very long time, happy to be in one another’s company once again. “It’s good to see you, Father.”
“And you too, my boy, you too, it’s been a long time.”
The light from under Gary’s jacket grows stronger and Judas asks everyone to step aside. He reaches down and places his hand on Charlotte’s forehead and, instantly, the intensity of the light abates.
She remains fast asleep, smiling.
“So, you’ve finally figured it out then, my boy?” Father Keel says.
“I think so, Father, yeah, I think so.”
Gary looks him up and down and, whilst frowning asks, “Figured what out? What’s going on and what the hell are you wearing?”
He laughs, “Well, Gary, my man, after every last shred of clothing I was wearing was incinerated; I had to find a clothing store to fit myself out in. Unfortunately for me, the first one I came across was a goddamn golf store.”
Gary and Abi laugh at the sight of him wearing red, light blue and cream tartan pants, a light and dark blue diamond patterned jumper and white spiked golf shoes.
Judas shakes his head, holding up his hands. “Please, please, they are only temporary. I needed to put something on as I didn’t want to flit through the Jersey streets totally stark bollock naked.”
Gary and Abi laugh even harder.
Father Keel sighs and turns to walk towards the sacristy once again. “You have some of your own clothes here, I’ll go get them and you can change because quite frankly, my boy… you look like a dickhead.”
Everyone bursts into laughter, including Judas.
Thirty-Nine
Jerusalem, Saturday 4 April AD 33
The air was cool and the night sky clear. Stars shimmered all through the black velveteen canvas and as he walked through the tranquil garden with his mentor and other disciples, Judas could not help but think that this was the most perfect night he had ever witnessed. Not a single thing felt out of place and he wished it would carry on forever. He had spent the early evening with the rest of the disciples, listening to his Master’s teachings and sharing a meal however, he had not been himself during that time and a heavy heart weighed down deep inside him. He had almost clear stood up in shock and left the table when, during the meal, Jesus had announced to his followers, “Truly I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Following that statement, he had spent a long time considering the plan, of which he had confided in his uncle with, considering how it could be that Jesus knew of his intentions. It hadn’t taken long for him to convince himself that someone else at the table intended to betray Jesus and that his Master could not be referring to his plan. His plan was flawless and for the good of all, including Jesus and therefore not a betrayal at all.
Between Judas and his uncle, they had managed to convince the Sanhedrin priests that he would identify Jesus to the Roman guards by a single kiss during their planned walk, since it would be night and difficult to tell who was who. This would lead to his arrest and then set in motion the next phase of the plan.
Judas and his uncle were then to meet, and form an ambush on the guards with a few other trusted men, before they reached the court of Pontius. If they executed the plan to perfection, they would liberate Jesus right from under Roman custody and would be free to spread the word of how the mightiest empire failed to arrest the great savior. This in effect would go a long way to sparking the revolution, heralding Jesus as the leader of those against Rome.
He knew full well that his Master would never go along with the plan; the thought of being a revolutionary leader would be absurd to him. Judas was not a man of low intellect; he knew that his Master’s teachings were of peace and a need to move away from the violence of the times. That what he preached, was an awareness for man to think and act for one’s self and in turn, overthrow any tyrannical rule by a change in attitude and disposition. However, he did not want to wait for man to realize his true strength through words alone. For the sake of his father and grandfather’s sacrifices, he wanted to inflict an immediate change to his people, to his country and in any struggle, sometimes the most direct and violent action is the one that grants the greatest results. He was prepared to see this action through, right to its bitter conclusion.
During the course of the evening, Jesus had noticed a great heaviness in the eyes of Judas. A little after the meal, as they all began their stroll through the area they knew well and which often calmed them, he invited him to walk with him a little. During this time, he asked, “Judas, my friend, you seem distracted tonight, is there something on your mind you wish to discuss that I may halve you of your troubles?”
He smiled, “No, Master I am fine, really I am. I guess I am just in the mood to contemplate many things.”
Jesus smiled back at him and then looked ahead. He steepled his hands under his chin and appeared to ponder the reply from his disciple. After a short silence, he continued, “You know, my child; there are many mysteries of the kingdom that I could tell you. These mysteries are possible for you to reach but in doing so, you will grieve greatly. Another may step into your place but your path is still set, the importance of which you will only know at the end of your great journey.”
&nbs
p; He looked at him in confusion, “I do not understand, Master. What mysteries? What path? What is this journey you speak of?”
He smiled once again. “There is a great light that will mark the dawn of a new generation for man, and you must carry that light into the hearts of all.”
“I still don’t understand, Master, when will you tell me these things and make the message clearer? When will the light dawn for the new generation?”
With this, Jesus brought his hands back down to his side, smiled at Judas and walked on ahead of him, leaving his disciple confused and struggling to comprehend the meaning behind the strange conversation.
At first, he felt uneasy but, as he thought more about the conversation, he began to form his own interpretation of what his Master had said to him. Did he know what was going to happen? Surely now I must concede he knows of my plan. If he knows and hasn’t indicated any intention to stop me, he must be party to this and is signaling to me through teachings that he is to be the great light that marks the dawn of the new generation. Yes, of course, that is it! He knows, and is good with this plan.
The entourage were fast approaching the area where Judas had agreed to make the identification and, armed with what he thought was a solid acceptance of agreement to his plan from Jesus, he decided to make his move and set in motion the sequence of events destined to change his people’s lives forever. Making his way over to him, he took deep breaths, trying to calm his heart that beat with ferocity inside his chest. Each thump increased in intensity and he felt as though it could escape his body at any moment. In and out, deep breaths, clenching and unclenching his hands whilst rubbing his fingers within sweaty palms. It was now or never. He was close to his Master and began to speak but was unable to do so, his throat and mouth as dry as the desert. He swallowed hard then raised his right hand up to his mouth and coughed, trying to clear his throat of the inability to formulate words. At last he found the means to speak and pushed his way through the mass of other disciples. “Master, could I speak with you for a moment.”
Jesus stopped and turned to face his disciple. “Yes, Judas, what is it?”
He cleared through the final obstruction and stood face to face with his friend, the man whose teachings had changed his life forever. For the first time since its conception, he doubted the plan. Was he making the right choice? Would this work? He stood there for a few seconds unable to move as the conflict raged within him. He dropped his gaze from his master and stared at the ground.
“Judas, is there something you wish to say?” Jesus asked as he smiled, a beautiful calmness across his face.
Judas looked up into his eyes. His mouth opened and closed but no words came. He cleared his voice once again. Where courage had just failed him, it now returned and he spoke. “I am sorry, Master but I must leave. I have some business that I must attend to and I cannot carry on with you tonight.” He paused for a final time and then leaned into him, “Goodnight, Master.” He kissed him on his right cheek and without hesitating, walked away, away from a man he respected above all others, away from the garden in which he had enjoyed solace and peace with his friend, away from a place that would never have the same meaning for him again. He prayed that nothing would go wrong as he walked with much haste back towards the city, back to the arranged meeting place with his uncle. Through the calm of the night air, he heard raised voices from where he had just been, where he had betrayed his friend. There was no turning back now, the wheels were in motion and he had to be quick to ensure he did not fail Him, that they did not fail Jesus. His pace quickened as he walked through the city streets, turning corner after corner, sprinting down alleyways and corridors. He reached the agreed destination and found his uncle waiting for him as agreed. “Uncle, I am glad to see you. Are the others here? Is everything ready?”
His uncle raised a hand to steady his nephew’s excited presence. “Everything is taken care of, my nephew, you have done well; things are proceeding according to my plan.”
He looked at him in confusion. What did he mean by his plan? He scanned the meeting area. No one else was present. “Where are the others, uncle? Why are you alone?”
“There has been a slight change, my boy, quickly, follow me.”
He took a step backwards and eyed him with suspicion, “What do you mean a slight change? Where are we going?”
His uncle smiled and approached him. “We have had our people pick up your friend rather than the Roman guard. We are taking him to Annas’ home.”
“I don’t understand, why has the plan changed? Why to Annas’ home?”
“Judas, I don’t have time to explain, please, quickly, follow me.”
His uncle fleeted away, headed for Annas’ house.
Judas felt a dark uneasiness flooding into him and began to think he had made a terrible mistake. He set off after his uncle and followed him to the house of Annas. On their way, he nagged his uncle, trying to gain more information on this change of plan, but his uncle just maintained that all was well and that he would explain everything once they reached their destination. He began to feel that the Betrayer had now become the Betrayed. Every fiber in his body was telling him to leave, to run away and never look back, but a part of him still thought he could free his friend if his uncle was telling the truth and that He was indeed at the location to which they now headed. He had no choice other than to follow him.
At last, they had reached the home of Annas. A large number of priests were standing outside the home guarding its entrance from the uninvited. They shuffled aside as they recognized Judas’ uncle.
His uncle turned to him, beckoning him forward, “Come, Judas, come inside and I will explain this to you.”
He took a deep breath and followed his uncle through the door.
Inside the home of Annas, there was a fervent bustle of activity as many Sanhedrin priests stood chatting to one another, excited, shaking hands.
Judas was ushered forwards by his uncle and the chatter inside the room began to subside. The priests parted to reveal Annas stood next to the bound form of Jesus. His legs and arms were tied and he lay on his right side at the other end of the room, staring into Judas’ eyes.
He now realized that he had been betrayed by his own family. His uncle had never intended to help him free Jesus. He had always been a supporter of the Sanhedrin and had used his influence and trust to help them carry out their plan. This had been their notion since the moment he had confided in his uncle. They had always intended to use him in this manner to keep their hands clean, so that they could say one of his own had betrayed him. He imagined they could not have believed their good fortune when he had revealed the plan to his uncle; the pieces fitting together neatly for their own benefit. He felt sick to the very core of his stomach. He pondered, is there still time? Can I still save him?
Annas spotted the new arrivals to the celebration and approached them with arms outstretched and a wicked smile upon his face, “Ah, Judas my boy, welcome back.” He turned to the other occupants in the room and declared in triumph, “A welcome to the hero of the hour.”
Everyone cheered but this only served to incense him even further and he stepped forward, ready to strike out at Annas, ready to set the record straight but his uncle gripped his arm and he felt the point of a dagger in his back.
He leaned into his left ear and whispered with a stern malice, “Do anything other than accept the gift you are about to receive and I will pierce this dagger into your back and walk you outside to die. I will then go to your home and murder your mother and sister. I will do this, Judas, do you believe me?”
He did. He did believe him. He also knew that he was beaten, and the only thing that he would achieve here today was losing his own life and condemning his families. He closed his eyes for the briefest moment and then opened them. Whispering he replied, “Yes.”
The blade continued to press into his back, just to the left of his spinal column.
Annas now stood in front of him and made a v
ery public showing of placing a kiss on each of his cheeks. As he moved his head from cheek to cheek, Judas gazed into the eyes of his Master, the man he had condemned to death.
“Well done, Judas, well done indeed. You are a hero to the people of Jerusalem having freed them from the dangerous teachings of this false prophet,” he said, pointing at Jesus. He turned back towards Judas, smiled, and then reached to his belt from where he drew a small purse. “Here my friend, as agreed, thirty pieces of silver for your troubles. We would’ve given you more; such a modest amount to ask for in exchange for such a valuable service rendered.”
He felt as though he was in the very pit of hell itself. His head swam with a mixture of anger, fear and shame knowing his reckless behavior would be the cause of the death of his friend. He knew they intended to hand him over to Pontius Pilot and in turn, allow the Romans to execute him, and once again keep their dirty little hands free of any involvement in his Master’s death, instead blaming it all on a greedy member of his own following. For the briefest of moments, he considered attacking, showing his friend that he wasn’t a part of this, but then his thoughts turned to that of his mother and sister and that he would condemn them to death if he were to do anything other than play along with this evil charade. He knew his uncle wasn’t lying, he knew he meant every word he had said.
Annas was still holding out the purse of coins and his facial expression had turned from that of smiling and joviality, to concern and anger.
His uncle pressed the blade into his back harder, almost at the point of breaking the skin.
He reached out towards the purse of money. His mouth was dry and he wet the inside of it with his tongue. He took the purse and smiled, although his eyes were close to tears, then nodded. “Thank you, Annas,” he croaked and swallowed hard, “it was my pleasure.”
Annas was smiling as Judas looked past his face once again, into the eyes of the man he had betrayed. His heart sank.